The Building Regulations Part F 2010 introduced the requirement for testing fixed ventilation systems (Regulation 42, 2010). Following on from the inclusion of airtightness testing in Part L1 2006 significant improvements in as-built measured air tightness were observed. Lower airtightness levels result in less natural infiltration and the importance of ‘Build Tight, Ventilate Right’ becomes increasingly significant.

Part F sets out minimum ventilation rates for dwellings ventilated by intermittent extracts (System 1), continuous extract, including centralised and decentralised (system 3) and whole house ventilation (system 4). In the case of centralised system 3 and system 4, these historically have been commissioned to ensure the correct airflow rates are measured at each terminal. The installed performance of system 1 and system 3 (decentralised) types has historically (pre 2010) not been measured but now must be tested.

Following the implementation of the 2010 Building Regulations and publication of guidance in Approved Document F, BSRIA has observed that more than 90% of system 1 and system 3 (de-centralised) installations failed to meet minimum requirements. As a consequence of failures it has been observed that higher rated fans have been selected that will move more air, but these use more energy than is needed, and create more noise (and are therefore more likely to be switched off and left off).

These results raised questions as to whether the manufacturers’ stated performance values for their fans were correct, whether measurement methods employed were accurate, whether fans were being used in unsuitable applications or whether low observed airflow rates were purely a result of poor installation. As a result of potential measurement method inaccuracies an amnesty was implemented and testing was not required.

BSRIA undertook a number of studies to ascertain the cause of inaccuracies and alleged poor performance.

Leading manufacturers of intermittent operating extract fans supplied BSRIA with the most widely used fans for performance testing. The vast majority of branded fans achieved the manufacturers’ rated specification when tested in the laboratory in accordance with the appropriate standard.

The DomesticVentilation Compliance Guide, a supporting document to Part F, shows a vane anemometer and hood assembly as a type of equipment that could be used to demonstrate compliance. It was found in BSRIA’s tests that this type of equipment (being the most widely utilised test equipment) actually creates a resistance which then affects fan performance in exactly the same way as if you were to partially block the inlet or outlet of the fan. The degree of change in performance is dependent on the type, make and model of fan and the volume of air moving through the fan. The higher the flow rate, the more the fan performance is adversely affected. This means that a perfectly installed system in a well-designed application could still be seen to be apparently underperforming when it is actually fully compliant.

BSRIA found that the potential error could be in excess of 40% for 60l/s applications and 20% for 15l/s and 30l/s installations. The result of these findings meant that more acceptable measurement methods needed to be developed.

After much consultation the agreed solution was to deem three measurement methods acceptable:

This method covers measurementequipment that does not apply a resistance to the system, or automatically compensates for it, and therefore the reading displayed can be assumed to reflect the true performance of the installation.

This method relies on having specific correction factors for both the fan and the measurementequipment combination. For every type, make and model of fan in combination with every variation of hooded anemometer used, there is a unique correction factor. Only when the correction factors are used can the reading obtained be assumed to reflect the true performance of the installation.

This method uses the typical errors observed to set benchmark levels which factor in the generic impact of hooded vane anemometer test equipment. This is a crude approximation and can lead to errors.

This method does not guarantee compliance. As a consequence of using these benchmarks, compliant systems will be deemed non-compliant and non-compliant systems will be deemed compliant.

It should be noted that it is a requirement for all test equipment to be UKAS calibrated on an annual basis. Calibrations should be for the system (the instrument and the hood assembly used) and must be for volumetric flow not air velocity. As standard, instruments are provided with calibrations for velocity only and only generic coefficients are provided for the accompanying hood. Failure to have and use the correct calibration coefficients will result generally in measurement inaccuracies.

A number of installations use fans in unsuitable applications. This is as a result of both poor design, but also installers deviating from the design, for example, changing the duct materials, increasing run lengths or using inappropriate terminals. These unsuitable applications usually increase the system resistance and therefore affect fan performance.

The widespread use of flexible ducting, and its poor installation, results in squashed or restricted ducts, connections to fan spigots or exhaust terminals where the duct is required to turn through 90°, or have a bend where the radius is less than the diameter of the ducting, again applying additional resistance.

In-situ measurements demonstrating non-compliance may not be as a result of a single failure, but a combination of issues. To ensure compliance, numerous factors need to be taken into consideration and will require checks at design, installation and verification stages.

Are the controls compliant with requirements (15 minute over-runs for intermittent fans in rooms without opening windows or operated by the light switch for rooms with no natural light, and manual controls clearly identified)?

Has the test equipment used for verification been UKAS calibrated within the last year?

Have the correct calibration coefficients been used for the measurements?

The amnesty for testing ended on the 1st January 2014, and future compliance can only be achieved by good design, installation and commissioning with accurate measurements. Engaging designers, installers and testers who understand the importance of each stage of the process will be key to delivering compliant systems.

If any of the following three key points is not met, the installation is likely to be non-compliant and warrants further checks:

Does the actual installation mimic the design information? Does it follow the ductwork routes on the design drawings; is the use of rigid ducting as indicated in the drawings; are the terminal grills etc. as specified in the design?

At final inspection, with system in operation, do the controls work, are they correctly labelled and does it sound noisy?